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Cover of Heart and Science: A Story of the Present Time

Heart and Science: A Story of the Present Time

Written by Wilkie Collins

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EnglandCourtshipGuardian and wardMedical ethicsVivisection

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About this book

"Heart and Science: A Story of the Present Time" by Wilkie Collins is a novel written in the late 19th century during the Victorian era. The narrative centers on Ovid Vere, a talented young surgeon grappling with the pressures of his profession and the unexpected turns of his personal life. As he navigates through urban London, the story hints at themes of social influence, scientific inquiry, and the emotional entanglements that accompany relationships, particularly with women. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Ovid Vere, who is forced to take a respite from his demanding medical career. While he intends to prepare for a Mediterranean voyage, a series of seemingly trivial events divert him from his initial plans. These events culminate in a fateful encounter with a mysterious girl named Carmina, who is bound to become central to his life. As Ovid interacts with various characters, including his eccentric colleague Sir Richard, his mother Mrs. Gallilee, and the poignantly described Carmina and her duenna Teresa, the opening chapters set the stage for a complex exploration of familial relations, social expectations, and the budding romance that develops in a backdrop rich with both humor and serious reflection on contemporary issues such as vivisection and scientific ethics.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Heart and Science: A Story of the Present Time, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 10 hours
  • intermediate
  • mysterious
  • serious
  • romantic

Wilkie Collins's "Heart and Science: A Story of the Present Time" is a Victorian novel that delves into the complex interplay between scientific ambition, emotional turmoil, and societal pressures. The story follows Ovid Vere, a talented young surgeon whose planned respite is interrupted by a series of events leading to a fateful encounter with the mysterious Carmina. As Ovid navigates burgeoning romance and familial expectations, the narrative critically examines contemporary issues such as vivisection and scientific ethics, contrasting cold rationality with the demands of human compassion. Through a cast of eccentric and manipulative characters, Collins crafts a compelling tale exploring the sacrifices made in the name of progress and the true cost of moral compromise.

“"The heart has reasons that reason knows nothing of, and science, in its cold pursuit of knowledge, often forgets the very humanity it claims to serve."”

Key themes

Science vs. Emotion (Heart and Science)
This central theme, explicitly stated in the title, explores the conflict between cold, rational scientific inquiry and the warmth of human emotion, compassion, and love. Collins questions whether scientific progress, when pursued without ethical consideration, leads to moral decay and suffering. The novel highlights the necessity of balancing intellectual curiosity with empathy and ethical responsibility.
Vivisection and Scientific Ethics
Collins directly addresses the controversial practice of vivisection, using it as a stark example of scientific inquiry potentially crossing moral boundaries. This theme critiques the idea of scientific progress at any cost, forcing characters and readers to confront the suffering inflicted in the name of knowledge and the ethical responsibilities of scientists.
The Plight and Manipulation of Women
A recurring theme in Collins's work, this novel likely explores the vulnerability of women in Victorian society, particularly those without strong male protectors or social standing. Carmina's mysterious circumstances and potential exploitation highlight how women could be victims of male ambition, social conventions, or scientific curiosity, often through manipulation or lack of agency.

Worth discussing

How does Collins explore the tension between 'heart' and 'science' throughout the novel, and who represents each side most strongly?

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